Alan Shearer turned to Newcastle United’s unbeaten streak for positivity after the Magpies were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth. Astonishingly, Eddie Howe’s side have not lost since the controversial defeat to Liverpool in August.
That 17-game stretch has formed the backbone for what has been an impressive season on Tyneside. However, a recent blip since the turn of the year is frustrating a section of supporters.
Five draws from the last six games has not allowed Newcastle to capitalise on hiccups from Champions League rivals. Tottenham Hotspur, currently in fifth place, lost 4-1 to Leicester City but United failed to seize their opportunity.
READ MORE: Meet the Newcastle wonderkid keen to go 'step by step' after scoring first St James' Park goal
Regardless, a draw at the Vitality Stadium leaves the Magpies two points clear of Spurs - with a crucial game in hand against West Ham United still to play. A point proved a fair result as Kieran Trippier was forced to hook a Dominic Solanke effort off the line late on.
The only team to beat Newcastle in the Premier League this season travel to St James’ Park next weekend. Liverpool, sitting 10th in the table and without a league win in 2023, are desperate for a result.
Putting the Reds to the sword would exert revenge for the crushing loss at Anfield six months ago and serve as the perfect preparation for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United. Newcastle will, however, have to raise their game from the lacklustre display on the south coast.
Former Toon goal machine Shearer remained positive despite not being impressed by a “poor” away display. He tweeted post-match: “Another (game) undefeated, but a poor performance from the Toon. Looked very leggy. Well done Bournemouth.”
READ NEXT
Exciting striker makes St James' Park visit amid Newcastle United trial talk
Meet the Newcastle signing who debunks London transfer myth after 'no-brainer' decision
Newcastle players playing for futures as coach warn they 'can't afford to waste a minute'
Newcastle's forgotten signing faces uncertain future despite comeback ahead of transfer deadline
Meet Newcastle's first summer signing after 'mad' whirlwind transfer which 'came out of nowhere'
